A complete obituary is pending at the moment.
Friday, April 4, 2025
Obituary - Sue McClellan
An update from Vernon County Sheriff Buehler
Trying to keep information rolling. We have been very humbled by our community and our fellow Missourians with donations and volunteers THANK YOU to everyone that has donated time ,money and items.
I want to Thank Derick White our Emergency Management Director for his hard work to mitigate, form and follow through of all the aftermath operations.
Damage totals are close to being in at this time:
COUNTY
Destroyed 55
Minor 18
CITY OF NEVADA
Destroyed 7
Major 16
Minor 27
Total 129
Power for the County is back on. There are going to be some that are on and off until they are able to get all issues resolved. Very Big THANK YOU to the power companies EVERGY, BARTON COUNTY ELECTRIC, AND SAC OSAGE THANK YOU!!!!! These individuals have been working 48hrs straight to get power restored and Vernon County appreciate you.
Sheriff Buehler
Civic Bullies Only Win When No One Else Speaks Up
Last year, I traveled across Missouri, meeting with community leaders and residents, working to strengthen neighborhoods and encourage civic engagement. But in nearly every town, I heard the same concern: civic bullies.
You see them on Facebook pages like [Insert Community Name] News and Events. They tear down every idea, drown progress in negativity, and discourage others from getting involved. Whether through toxic social media posts, obstructionist politics, or relentless pessimism, they do more than frustrate—they hold communities back.
When I brought up negative Facebook comments in my talks, people immediately nodded, laughed, or sighed in frustration. They had stories of how these pages discourage business owners, stop people from running for office, and stir up drama over small issues. I understand because I’ve seen it happen in my hometown of Republic, Missouri.
Weeds in the Garden
Civic bullies remind me of something David Engwicht once said about weeds in a field. Weeds are everywhere, but they only take over when the land is unhealthy. It’s the same with communities.
A strong town will always have critics—that’s normal. But in a healthy, engaged community, those voices don’t dominate. The problem isn’t the bullies themselves; it’s the silence of the majority. When good people check out, bullies fill the space, making it seem like their opinions are the only ones that matter.
Bullies Win in a Vacuum
Like any bully, civic bullies thrive when no one else speaks up. They show up when things go wrong, grab attention, and take over by default. But here’s the truth:
Most people don’t agree with them.
They are a loud but small minority. They dominate because most people don’t like engaging in negativity or conflict. Meanwhile, civic bullies enjoy stirring the pot.
But there’s good news—when the rest of the community speaks up, bullies lose their power.
Fighting Back with Positivity
One of the best responses I’ve seen comes from Ryan Fairchild, owner of Dry Lake Brewing in Great Bend, Kansas. When local online discussions turned toxic, he helped create a Positive Social Response Team.
Whenever negativity spiked, they sent out a text or email, rallying people to respond with positive, supportive comments. Over time, the bullies lost their influence. Without attention, they faded into the background.
Because when no one listens to a bully, they don’t have much to say.
The Simple Truth
Bullies will always exist. I have been writing on this subject since at least 2018. Some of my posts on the subject are here, here, here and here. And what I have been saying for a long time is that these bullies or trolls only have a voice when everyone else stays silent.
The solution isn’t to fight them—it’s to make sure more positive voices join the conversation. When the silent majority speaks up, the bullies lose control.
I’ve seen it in my own community. People with too much time on their hands can drag local discussions down. The result? A social media wasteland filled with negativity.
I know it’s tough to go it alone. But we don’t have to. We can start in our neighborhoods. We can form response teams.
Because communities thrive when good people refuse to stay silent.
Written by David L. Burton
MORE INFORMATION
Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.
Hume students focus on character education
Self-control was the character trait for the month of March. Character education focused on self-control teaches individuals the importance of managing their emotions, behaviors, and impulses in healthy, constructive ways. It encourages patience, mindfulness, and the ability to delay gratification in the face of temptation. By practicing self-control, individuals can make better decisions, maintain healthier relationships, and achieve long-term goals. This foundational trait fosters personal growth and helps build a society where individuals take responsibility for their actions.Character Kids of the Month:
Front Row: 1st Grade - Rainlee Mize, 2nd Grade - Coy Boyles, 3rd Grade - Cohen Brooks, 4th Grade - Camden Brown, 5th Grade - Blane Allmond
Back Row: 6th Grade - Blayklee Stigall, 7th Grade - Jaxson Toms, 8th Grade - Gavin Conrad, Freshman - Kamee Snider, Sophomore - Jasmine Pattison, Junior - Alissa Cooke, Senior - Caylee Hough
Kindergarten - Jasper Courson (not pictured)
Courtesy Hume Schools
Thursday night ball scores
Midway 21
Archie 0
Hermitage 10
Butler 0
Liberal 20
Drexel/Miami 13
Softball
Midway 11
Archie 7
Obituary - Twila Joy Earll
On December 12, 1959, Twila married James Earll in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage until Jim's passing on December 31, 2017. Their love and partnership were the foundation of a beautiful family and a life full of shared dreams.
Twila was a devoted mother to six children: Eddie Earll (Diane) of Nevada, MO; Kevin Earll (Roberta) of Shawnee, KS; Mitchell Earll (Carol) of Nevada, MO; Michael Earll (Tom) of South Riding, VA; Melissa Earll of Nevada, MO; and Shawn Earll (Connie) of Nevada, MO. She was a loving and caring “domestic engineer” for her family, balancing the challenges of raising six children with grace and strength.
Alongside Jim, Twila helped build and manage three businesses and rental properties, while also contributing to the community through her leadership in Brownies, Girl Scouts, PTAs, and Town & Country 4-H. In 2022, the Earll family was honored as a Missouri 4-H Century Family, with a total of 134 years of membership, tracing back to Twila’s maternal great-grandparents
Twila’s deep faith was a guiding light in her life. She was an active member of the local Christian church, where she taught Sunday school and was part of the Mary Martha Circle. This group was instrumental in providing affordable wedding services to families, and they even funded a bridal room for the bride and her family. Twila also contributed to the church’s annual birthday dinner, a cherished event marked by gourmet meals and creative decorations.
In addition to her church involvement, Twila was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi for 50 years, where she worked to support the needs of the community. She found joy in planning the spring and fall banquets, and one memorable year, Twila and Jim were named King and Queen of the event—a title Jim jokingly resented because of the dancing involved!
Twila also played an active role in the Missouri Camerons Federated Women’s Club, where she helped organize a safe Halloween carnival and created a popular miniature golf course for children. A passionate supporter of her community, Twila was also a proud member of the Democratic Party in Nevada.
Twila was preceded in death by her parents, James and Wanda Arthur; her great-grandparents, Ezra and Lila Phipps; and her brothers, James, Terry, and Gregory Arthur. She is survived by her sister, Renee Hampton; her beloved grandchildren: Eric Earll, Matthew Earll, Krista Chrisenberry, Monica Earll, Nikki Butler, Kirk Buck, Kristi Nowak, and Ryan Buck; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom were dear to her heart.
Twila’s legacy of love, service, and devotion to her family and community will continue to inspire all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Vernon County 4-H Fund, Sheldon Christian Church, or the Nevada Regional Medical Center Christmas Tree Light Fund.
Visitation will be 4:00-6:00p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home.
Graveside services will follow at 1:30 pm, Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Ft. Scott National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, KS.
Obituary - Donna Sue Farr
Donna was born on March 14, 1936 in West Line, Missouri, a daughter of Okie and Nova (Crooks) Sanders. She spent her early years in West Line and was a 1953 Freeman High School graduate.
Donna was united in marriage to Charles “Dale” Farr on May 17, 1956, at the West Line Christian Church. They lived in Freeman, MO, 60 years before moving to Raymore, MO, in 2016. Donna worked at the Little Shirt factory in Freeman for a number of years, then at Grace Company in Belton and after it closed, she worked as a bookkeeper for Dillard’s Department Store. She was a member of the Freeman Presbyterian Church.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dale, on December 30, 2019; two sisters: Mary Adams and Betty Brown; one brother, James Sanders; daughter-in-law, Brandy Farr; and son-in-law, Daniel Bruner. She is survived by her son, Trent Farr, Harrisonville, MO; two daughters: Trisha Bruner, Overland Park, Kansas; and Valorie (Bill) Turner, Olathe, KS; five grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home
Obituary - Anna Lou Nicholls
Anna Lou was born on December 1, 1930, in Independence, MO, to George DuWayne and Glenna Elberta (Clow) Radmall. Her family later moved to Archie, MO, where she grew up and graduated from Archie High School, as valedictorian of her class in 1948. With an unwavering passion for teaching that began at the tender age of 17, Anna Lou dedicated much of her life to educating future generations. She taught at Highview Rural School #27 for a year (1948-1949), Mount Zion Rural School #63 for two years (1949-1951), Oak Grove Rural School #41 for a year, and Bybee Rural School #89 for 3.8 years before joining the Harrisonville teaching community in 1960, where she touched the lives of countless students throughout grade school, junior high, and high school, until her retirement in 1985.
On August 6, 1950, Anna Lou united in marriage with William Earl Nicholls in Pleasant Hill, MO. Together, they built a loving home in Harrisonville, raising four wonderful children. Anna Lou was not only a devoted teacher but also an active participant in her community. Her commitment to service was reflected in her role as a pianist at the Community of Christ Church in Harrisonville and her memberships with the ADK Teachers Society and Pink Lady Volunteers at the Cass County Memorial Hospital. In her leisure time, she found joy in collecting Hallmark Christmas Ornaments, being an avid reader, sewing, and crafting beautiful cross-stitch pieces. Anna Lou was also a member of Mensa International, the oldest High-IQ society in the world.
Her legacy of love, education, and community service will continue to inspire those she touched throughout her life.Anna Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; her daughter, Georgann Butler; her granddaughter, Michelle Renee Butler; a brother; and a sister. She is survived by two daughters: Carol Nicholls and Alice Nicholls, both of Harrisonville, MO; a son, Robert “Rob” (Christine) Nicholls, of Riga, Latvia; two grandchildren, Heather and Justin (Jennifer) Butler; and six great-grandchildren..
Courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home
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